Applied Materials Stock Price Rises 1.4%

Analysts Cite Positive Sentiment and Demand Outlook for Semiconductor Equipment Maker

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Shares of Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) rose 1.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $341.34. The semiconductor equipment manufacturer saw increased trading volume and positive analyst commentary, including an upgrade from Mizuho and price target increases from KeyBanc and other brokerages.

Why it matters

The rise in Applied Materials' stock price reflects growing optimism about the company's prospects, driven by expectations of a meaningful acceleration in wafer fab equipment (WFE) demand and strong secular tailwinds in the semiconductor industry. Positive analyst sentiment and media coverage are fueling investor confidence in the company's revenue leverage as capital expenditures recover.

The details

In three separate research notes, analysts have highlighted the positive outlook for Applied Materials. Mizuho upgraded the stock from Hold to Outperform and raised its price target to $370, citing expectations for a meaningful WFE acceleration. KeyBanc and other brokerages have also lifted their price targets for AMAT, reinforcing the narrative of sustained demand for the company's deposition and etch tools. Additionally, media and TV commentary, including coverage from Jim Cramer, have framed Applied Materials as facing a supply shortage and benefiting from strong secular trends, which can drive momentum trading and retail interest.

  • On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Applied Materials' stock price rose 1.4% during mid-day trading.

The players

Applied Materials, Inc.

An American semiconductor equipment manufacturer that provides equipment, services, and software used to manufacture semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, and other advanced materials.

Mizuho

A Japanese financial services group that upgraded its rating on Applied Materials from Hold to Outperform and raised its price target to $370.

KeyBanc

An investment banking and financial services firm that has lifted its price target for Applied Materials, reinforcing the narrative of sustained demand for the company's deposition and etch tools.

Jim Cramer

A television personality and former hedge fund manager who has provided bullish commentary on Applied Materials, framing the company as facing a supply shortage and benefiting from strong secular trends.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The rise in Applied Materials' stock price highlights the growing optimism surrounding the semiconductor equipment manufacturer, driven by positive analyst sentiment, media coverage, and expectations of strong demand for its products. This suggests that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing recovery in capital expenditures and the broader secular trends in the semiconductor industry.